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I wonder how hard it will be to find an unmodified example, I guess I should just stay clear of any with lots of owners and aim for one with the common issues ironed out. Off to eBay I go!
Haggis-
The good thing is there are quite a few R53’s around, I’d also check out the ‘R53 Owners Club’ group on FB as they have cars for sale. A lot will have had a few mods, which wouldn’t worry me, like a reduced pulley, exhaust and intake/filter but from my search there’s still a reasonable amount around that are standard. Good luck keep us posted 👍
hang_on_voltaire
I love reading those project threads but alas far too indisciplined to do the detailed write ups/photos that make them fun, and (hopefully) there won't be much happening to it. Since I've had it it's been totally reliable and the things that I've decided to do were more like preventative maintenance. Thankfully a lot of work around common issues in particular a supercharger rebuild and refreshing the coolant system (upgraded rad, new thermostat and housing) had been done recently.
It's had a few modest tweaks too and I would deffo recommend it (so far) as a small fun car as you say, which was very much the MO when choosing it (a classic mini was also my first car back in the early nineties so a fair helping of nostalgia too). According to the local mini specialist the R53 is the one to go for too, and he reckons as long as they're looked after they're a good bet (he has 3 including a lovely GP1). Big enthusiast community too which is good for support. Not a concern for me, but a possible drawback for some could be its thirst around town, it's pretty good on a longer run/motorway. It's possible a track day could be in it's futute we'll see.